Deng gets second opinion, and it reveals early signs of a stress fracture

Luol Deng got a second opinion on his injured right leg and then missed a second game Wednesday.

After a CT scan and examination by Bulls team physician Dr. Brian Cole, it was determined that Deng's right tibia is showing early signs of a stress fracture.

According to a statement released by the team, there is no evidence of any damage to the "inner or outer layer of bone."

Deng's status still is being listed as day to day.

"What we're worried about there, that's how a stress fracture would start," Deng said. "It's basically seeing it at an early stage. What we worried about it going out there and it becomes a bigger problem or a bigger fracture.

"I tried to play (Tuesday in Charlotte). I went out there, warmed up, tried to run and jump. I couldn't do it. I couldn't run or jump. I had a lot of pain, so I wanted a second opinion, and we took another look at it and it showed that there is something there."

According to the statement, the Bulls will encourage Deng to challenge himself physically, and if symptoms remain minimal, he will be allowed back on the court soon.

In other words, they don't think he will be out for the season, as originally was feared when he aggravated the injury Saturday against Houston.

"We'll see how he progresses," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We want to be a little bit cautious with it. He wanted to play tonight, but we have to be smart about it."

Tim Thomas healing: While Luol Deng's return is up in the air, the Bulls hope to have Tim Thomas on the practice floor today. Thomas has been out since Saturday with a left-knee strain.

"He worked out (Tuesday), was a little bit sore today," Del Negro said before the game, then joked, "Day to day. We won't put a statement out on that, we'll just tell you."

The Bulls essentially used a seven-man rotation against the Warriors on Wednesday before sending Aaron Gray and Anthony Roberson out for the final minutes.

Bull horns: In the last three games, Joakim Noah has knocked down 14 straight free throws, well above his season average of 63 percent. "I've just been working with 'Super Dave' every day after practice," Noah said, referring to development coach Dave Severns. -

Tyrus Thomas crumpled to the floor after having a dunk attempt blocked by fellow LSU product Anthony Randolph in the first quarter. But Thomas stayed in the game and tossed down a two-hander a few seconds later. - The Bulls improved to 23-10 when scoring at least 100 points.